How Ukraine Holds Ground in Russia Four Months Into the Kursk Operation

In early August, Ukrainian troops launched a breakthrough operation into Russia’s Kursk region. Within a week, they seized 1,300 square kilometers of territory, including roughly 100 settlements. Ukraine swiftly established a military commandant’s office in the captured areas and extended support to the local population.

The primary objective of the Kursk operation was to preempt a Russian offensive into Ukraine’s Sumy region. Intelligence reports had repeatedly warned of Russian plans to replicate the tactics used in their Kharkiv offensive. By advancing into the Kursk region, Ukraine disrupted these plans and significantly reduced shelling in Sumy by forcing Russian long-range artillery and aviation to reposition.

This preemptive strike proved successful: Russian forces withdrew, and Ukraine’s gains prevented a rapid Russian counteroffensive.

Despite relentless attacks and repeated attempts to reclaim lost ground, Russian forces have failed to dislodge Ukraine’s troops. Over four months, dozens of assaults have ended with Russian tank columns, armored vehicles, and artillery reduced to rubble.

As of this report, Russian forces have made little progress, while Ukraine maintains control over hundreds of square kilometers and dozens of settlements in the Kursk region.

North Korea’s role in Kursk

Facing setbacks, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has sought support from North Korea.

In fall 2024, North Korea deployed 10,000 to 13,000 soldiers to Russian training grounds, later reinforcing Russian forces in the Kursk region. Russia has amassed a force of 45,000 to 55,000 troops in the area, aiming to launch fresh attacks on Ukrainian positions. Despite the scale of this buildup, they have been unable to dislodge Ukrainian forces.

North Korea has also supplied Russia with large quantities of artillery shells and multiple rocket launchers, including the M1991 system, which features 240mm shells and a range of up to 60 kilometers. These weapons are expected to be used for strikes on Ukrainian cities.

The Kursk region marked a turning point in the war: another country officially joined Russia's side.

In exchange for Pyongyang’s support, Moscow has reportedly provided North Korea with nuclear weapons technology, aviation systems, long-range missiles, and financial aid. Some reports suggest Russia has transferred up to $5 billion to North Korea to fund the development of new weapon systems.

Ukraine’s positions have also been bolstered by approvals from the US, France, and the UK to carry out long-range missile strikes on military targets within Russian territory. In November 2024, Ukraine successfully deployed ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles four times, targeting and destroying Russian soldiers, equipment, and airfields.

Ukraine continues to hold its positions in the Kursk region—and intends to keep doing so.